2016 Miyamit Falls Marathon (MF42)

Days before the registration ends, I was still having second thoughts.  After almost three months of hiatus from running, I lost the confidence.  My adventurous heart won however, and I signed up.  This is my first time to join the event now on its 6th edition. 

My decision of course is with consideration of the distance and the terrain.  I've have taken the trail a couple of times and I know it's going to be tough.  Good thing, I still have a month to condition my mind and body.  I worked on bringing back my confidence.  On three consecutive weekends, I was out on training grounds trying to awaken my running muscles.  On some (when I was in the mood) nights after work, I also hit the road for mileage. 

Race Day

Two vans loaded with runners including myself, left Manila 9 pm of Saturday arriving at the venue before midnight.  The run will start at 5 am the next day so we took the waiting time to rest.  The organizers and crew arrived to the venue around 3 am.  Other runners started to arrive as well.  Race kits distribution and checking of mandatory gears followed.  Afterwards, Atty. Jon - the RD, gave the final briefing.  Runners, many are familiar faces in trail running, gathered at the starting line to listen.  The briefing concluded with a photo op with everyone hyped up. 

We were released from Alviera in Porac, Pampanga at exactly 5 am.  It was already bright while we made our way starting on a dirt road after emerging from a tunnel.  As always, I had a slow start and was feeling a little uneasy.  Experienced runners would often advice not to wear a new pair of shoes on race day.  I was brave (or should I say stupid) not to hid this advice.  I made a last minute decision to buy a new pair of Sketchers Go Trail as a replacement to my worn out Brooks trail shoes.  I wasn't able to break in the new pair before using it.  It did not go well with my feet, giving me muscle stiffness that took long before fading.

Few days before the run, it has been raining in Porac.  The rain somehow made some parts of the trail muddy and slippery.  With this, the RD made some changes on the mandatory gears to include rain jacket and also extended the cut-off time by 30 minutes. Apparently come race day, we started with a clear blue sky.  No sign of rain coming.

the medal

It was after AS 2 (KM 10) when the muddy trail greeted us.  I had no choice but dealt with it without hesitation.  Fortunately, leg stiffness has gone.  Slowly I picked up my pace making up for the slow pacing I had in the first 10 kilometers.  My target was to reach the turn around point (the peak) by 10 am, an hour and a half earlier than cut-off.  However, aside from the muddy trail, the heat was becoming a factor, too.

I reached AS 3 at the junction past 7 am but did not continue without refueling.  I knew that the next section of the route was the most challenging.  From the junction to the peak or the turn around point was a good 10 kilometers, one a way.  This section was a long ascent single track trail but very picturesque specially near the peak.  I was struggling to reach the turn around point with the sun's heat a big factor.  One by one I encountered the stronger runners already on their way back.  I made it to the peak within my target time of 10 am.  

After a few minutes of rest, I started my descent.  My confidence was high again after I met my target time.  At that point I was determined more than ever to finish the run. There was a cut - off time at the falls.  I needed to be there on or before 12:30 pm.   While I was back into the single track trail, it rained!  It was hot no more.  It was a big relief however, the rain made the trail even more muddy and slippery.  

It took me almost two hours to the junction, and I was starting to panic. I was running out of time.  While it was raining heavily, I negotiated the trail to the falls in a hurry. I thought and I was confident to have saved time more than enough.   I never thought that it would be that tight.  Thankfully, I made it to the falls seven minutes before cut-off.  I was relieved!  Before going back to the junction, I had myself taken a picture with the Miyamit falls as the background.  In all my visit to Miyamit, I always missed the falls.

me at the falls. all smile co'z i was within the cut-off time

Back at the junction,  I realized I'm almost close to it.  All I had to do is to finish the last 12 plus or so kilometers.  Sadly, many runners did not make it within the cut-off time at the falls.  After re-hydrating at the junction, I continued the run.  As I inched closer to the finish line, I can't hide my excitement and happiness.  When finally I saw the finish line,  there was a flashback of all the struggles I had from the new shoes, to the intense heat, to the slippery and muddy trail, to almost being cut-off.  

Glad I did not give up and it never even entered my mind despite the struggles.  It was a come back run and I was more than determined to finish it not minding even if I'm gonna be the last runner.  As I crossed the finish line, my friends and other runners where there cheering.  It was a nice feeling as always.  Officially I clocked 9:49 and ranked 41st out of 49 finishers.

my timing summary

Thanks to the heavens above for the strength and guidance!                    

Northern Escape: Batad

This is actually a trip long overdue.   I've been planning this a couple of times but couldn't get the right timing.  When a long weekend loomed, I packed my bag and head on to this UNESCO Heritage site and Ifugao's pride - Batad Rice Terraces.

After a brief but action packed visit of Maligcong, I boarded the 9 am jeepney the next day to Bontoc hoping to catch the 10:30 am van going to Banaue, Ifugao.  It was a Sunday, so I was expecting that transportation would be a challenge.  Apparently, it was not.  The van had just to wait a little longer for more passengers.  We left the terminal with only six of us on a 16 - seater van.  

It was past noon when I arrived in Banaue.  From where I got off, the jeepney bound for Batad was already in sight.  Upon inquiry, 3 pm was the scheduled time of its depart.  It would mean more than 2 hours waiting if I'm taking it.  A man approached me from no where ( I guess he heard my conversation with the driver) and offered a ride to Batad by his motorcycle.  Before I could ask how much would I pay for the fare, we were already on the road to Batad.  

as viewed from the registration site

Actually, my initial plan was to walk from Banaue to Batad.  I thought of it as part of my training for some running events.  However, it was a different story when I got to Banaue. It was high noon and the sun was in its mightiest.  Much as I wanted to walk, it was just too hot.  While riding the motorcycle, I was thankful I decided otherwise.  The road to Batad while cemented had much of elevation gain.  It would have surely left me catching breath while regretting under the intense heat of the sun.

After an hour, we arrived at the saddle - the end of the road.  From the saddle, a short walk had to be done to reach Batad village.  I actually liked the walk because it was under trees and as I progressed the beauty of Batad was gradually revealed.  It made me even more excited.   Until finally, I laid my eyes, my first glance on what I came for.  Before me, was the Ifugao's pride, a UNESCO heritage site, the amphitheater-like Batad rice terraces.  WOW was the only world that came out of my mouth.  I was standing with eyes glued at it for minutes.  It was fascinating in pictures but it was even more fascinating seeing it personally.  I was blown away by its beauty that I almost forgot I hadn't taken lunch.

Sir Vincent, a resident of Batad and a local guide approached me.  He helped me arranged my lodging and my activities for the afternoon.  He ushered me first to Rita's Mount View Inn where I had my lunch.  For my lodging, I told him that I want to stay on a native house they called the "no nail house".   He brought me to Ugay Lodge, a native house which had a good view of the terraces.

Batad Rice Terraces - UNESCO Heritage Site

After leaving my stuff at the native house, I began my activity for the afternoon.  Our first stop was the highest point where the entire rice terraces can be seen an obscured. With sir Vincent on the lead, we passed through some households and later on finding ourselves scaling the terraces.  I can't believe I was walking on it.  It was just surreal! Our trek continued until eventually reaching the view point.  The view was magnificent!   Basking on the mid-afternoon sunshine, the an obscured view of the rice terraces looking like a stairway was a sight to behold with the mountains surrounding, adding more beauty. 

From the view point, it was a steep descent to our next destination the Tappia Falls. While negotiating the terraces, I can't help but wonder how the indigenous people of Cordillera built it.  Surely, a lot of effort was put to carve such on the side of the mountain.  I wondered also how long it took them which according to sir Vincent, all was done without an aid of a machinery. The rice terraces aged 2000 years old, so by then it was primitive.  It was just amazing how they were able to adapt to the kind of environment they're living in.  

as viewed from the highest point

Tappia falls, was I think the lowest point in Batad.  Concrete steps were built for every tourist convenience.  Resting stations were present too.  Most tourists were already on their way back from the falls.  I encountered a couple on their nearly senior years.  They were having a hard time on the concrete steps going up.  The trek to the falls is not for the faint-hearted.  It will have your sweat glands working and your heart pounding. However, as they always say challenging journey always lead to a beautiful destination. And this is so true with Tappia Falls!  

Hearing the cascade of the water signaled that we're almost there.  True enough, after a couple of steps, I saw a surging and plunging water from a mountain.   We are at our final stop, the Tappia falls.  No more tourist hanging but us.  We stayed for a couple of minutes to savor the moment and regain strength.  Had we arrived earlier I would have taken a dip, however, the water was already freezing cold. I had to be contented watching its waters thundering down.   

Going back was a challenge.  Negotiating the steep concrete steps going up to the rice terraces was tiring!  I just thought of it as part of my training to get the motivation. Slowly, we made it to the top and back at my lodge.  I rested for a while and had myself freshen up before  getting ready for my dinner.  A local, offered a massage which I gladly accepted.  For days that I was exploring the highlands, receiving a foot massage felt so relaxing.  I fell asleep right after.

Tappia Falls

The sun was up when I woke up the next day.  When I opened the window of the lodge,  I was mesmerized of how the morning sunshine made the terraces even more adorable.  I could stare at the scenery all day, but I had to go.  After I had my breakfast, I bid goodbye to sir Vincent and head my way back to the saddle to catch the 9 am jeepney bound for Banaue.  

While on the road top loading , I couldn't contain the happiness I felt.  The three-day adventure from Maligcong to Batad was a journey I couldn't forget.  I felt lucky that I had the opportunity to visit these must visit places.  Others do not know what they are missing!  The long ride from Manila maybe butt-numbing, however, upon reaching these places I forgot the ordeal.  It was all worth it!  I wouldn't mind going back in the near future.  Perhaps I would venture up the popular Mt. Amuyao or trek to the other villages or simply relax and let the time pass by while I'm in sync with nature.

the "no nail house"

  

Travel Notes: Batad
			Actual Expenses
Sept. 11, 2016
	1100	Departed Bontoc	150
	1230	Arrived Banaue
	1240	Left Banaue (via motorcycle)	250
	1330	Saddle
	1350	Batad village
		Ate lunch	115
	1430	Trekked to Batad's higherst point & Tappia Falls	500
	1700	Back at the lodge.
	1830	Dinner	145
	1930	Massage	200
	1030	Lights off
Sept. 12, 2016
	0700	Wake up
	0800	Left the lodge	200
	0900	Left the saddle for Banaue (jeep)	150
	1000	Arrived Banaue
		Ate Lunch (Sanafe Lodge & Resto)	300
		Free time
	1900	Left Banaue for Manila	445
		TOTAL	2,455

           
Notes:

1.  No ATMs in Batad village.
2.  There are a number of homestays and accommodation will never be a problem even without reservation.
3.  Public jeepney to Batad from Banue departs at 3 pm. while from Batad to Banaue departs 9 am.
4.  Motorcycles, jeepneys and vans can also be rented in going to Batad from Banaue.  
5.  Ohayami and CODA line buses ply the Manila-Banaue route. On line ticket reservation are available.